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CARES
Technical
Approval
Repor t
TA13 5037
ROLDAN SA
ROLDAN SA

Lean Duplex Stainless Steel ACX 903

Assessment of the Lean

Duplex Stainless Steel
ACX 903 Reinforcing Bar
Product and Quality System
for Production

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Product

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Roldan SA
Lean Duplex Stainless
Steel ACX 903
Reinforcing Bar

Produced by:
Roldan SA
Santo Thomas de las Ollas
24400 Ponferrada
Leon
Spain
Tel: 00 34 987 446190
Fax: 00 34 987 446101

1 Product Summary
Lean duplex, austenitic-ferritic, stainless steel,
ACX 903 in the size range 6mm to 40mm
bar and coil for the reinforcement of and use
in concrete complying with the mechanical
and physical property requirements of
BS 6744:2001 + A2:2009 Grade 500.

1.1 Scope of Application

Roldan SA lean duplex stainless steel,
ACX 903, in the size range 6mm to 40mm,
has been evaluated for use in accordance
with CARES Appendix TA13.

1.2 Design Considerations

This solid bar product meets the mechanical
and physical property requirements of
BS 6744:2001 + A2 2009. Roldan ACX 903
lean duplex stainless steel reinforcing bar is
for the reinforcement of and use in concrete
where corrosion resistance is required in the
presence of chlorides and high pH conditions.
The relevant design standards are BS 8110
and EC2. Although BS 8110 has no specific
requirements for stainless steel there are no
special design considerations and it may be
used in similar configurations as any other
reinforcement bars made of a similar
strength grade.

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CARES Technical Approval Report TA13 5037

1.3 Conclusion
It is the opinion of UK CARES that Roldan ACX 903
lean duplex stainless steel reinforcing bar is
satisfactory for use within the limits stated in
paragraph 1.1 when applied and used in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions
and the requirements of this certificate.

B. Bowsher
Executive Director
January 2012

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2 Technical Specification
2.1 General

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Roldan SA ACX 903 lean duplex stainless steel reinforcing bar is for the reinforcement of and use
in concrete where corrosion resistance to chlorides is of primary concern.

2.2 Standard sizes

The size of bars and coils shall be 6 to 40 mm.

2.3 Dimensions, mass and tolerances

2.3.1 Effective cross-sectional area and mass per metre run
The effective cross-sectional area and mass per metre run of the bars shall be calculated
using the method described in Annex A of BS 6744:2001 + A2:2009.
The values for the nominal crosssectional area and nominal mass per metre run of
individual bars shall be as given in Table 1.
NOTE The values for the nominal mass per metre run are calculated from the values of
the nominal cross-sectional area using density value of 7800 kg/m3 (EN 100881).
Table 1 - Nominal cross-sectional area and nominal mass per metre run

Nominal size
mm

Nominal cross-sectional
area mm2

Nominal mass
per metre run kg

28.3

0.221

50.3

0.392

10

78.5

0.612

12

113.1

0.882

14

153.9

1.200

16

201.1

1.569

20

314.2

2.451

25

490.9

3.829

32

804.2

6.273

40

1256.6

9.801

Tolerances on mass per metre run shall be as described in Table 4 of BS 6744:2001 +

A2:2009.

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2.4 Length

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The nominal length of bars shall be agreed at the time of enquiry

and order. The preferred length is 6m. Bar lengths available are:
diameters 6 to 14mm: 3 - 8m, diameters 16 to 40mm: 3 - 12m.
Unless otherwise agreed at the time of enquiry and order, the permissible
deviation from the nominal length shall be plus 100mm and minus 0mm.

2.5 Steelmaking process

Unless a special steelmaking process is agreed when ordering, the
steelmaking process shall be at the discretion of the manufacturer.

2.6 Chemical composition

2.6.1 Cast analysis
The chemical composition of the steel, based on cast analysis, shall be in accordance
with Table 2. In cases of dispute, the appropriate methods of test given in BS EN
10088-3 shall be used.
Table 2 - Cast analysis % by weight

Steel
C
Si
Designation
max max
Number

Roldan
ACX 903

0.03

1.0

Mn
S
min/
max
max
4.0/6.0

Cr
min/
max

Ni
min/
max

0.030 19.5/21.5 1.0/3.0

Mo
Cu
P
min/ max max
max
0.1/0.6

1.0

N
min/
max

0.035 0.05/0.17

2.6.2 Product analysis

The maximum deviations in product analysis from the values specified for cast analysis
shall be in accordance with those given in BS EN 10088-3.

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2 Technical Specification
2.7 Surface quality

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All bars shall be free from defects or other surface contamination which can be shown to adversely
affect the corrosion or mechanical properties of the steel specified in this Technical Approval.
If more exact requirements for surface quality are necessary, these shall be agreed at the time of
enquiry and order, where appropriate, on the basis of BS EN 10221.

2.8 Surface geometry

Bars shall have a ribbed surface.
Measurement of geometrical characteristics shall be in accordance with Annex C of BS 6744:
2001 + A2:2009. The stainless steel products covered by this Technical Approval are characterized
by their surface geometry, which enables them to bond with the concrete.
2.8.1 Relative rib area
The relative rib area. fR, shall be regarded as
the ruling criterion for the bond performance of
ribbed products. The value of fR as a function of
the nominal size, as determined in accordance
with Annex C.3 of BS 6744 2001+A2:2009,
shall be in accordance with Table 3.

Table 3 - Minimum relative rib area, fR

Nominal size / mm

fR min

0.039

0.045

10

0.052

12 to 40

0.056

2.9 Conditions of supply

Ribbed bar shall be supplied in coil or straight lengths, or fabricated in accordance with the customers
requirements in the hot rolled and descaled condition or cold rolled.

2.10 Mechanical and physical properties

2.10.1 Tensile properties
The 0.2 % proof strength, Rp0.2, stress ratio, RmIRp0.2, elongation at fracture, A5 and Agt, of the steel
obtained from test samples selected, prepared and tested in accordance with Annex D of BS 6744:
2001 + A2:2009, shall be as specified in Table 4.
For routine testing the 0.2 % proof strength shall be considered a minimum value. For determination of
long term quality level, the values given in the table shall be for the characteristic strength (see Definitions
3.1.22 of BS 6744: 2001 + A2:2009).

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Table 4 - Tensile and impact properties

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Grade

0.2 % proof
Stress ratio
strength
RmIRp0.2,(min)
Rp0.2,
MPa

500

500

Elongation
Total elongation
at fracture
at maximum
A5 (min)
force, Agt (min)
%

1.10

14

Impact energy
(Charpy)
(ISO V) (min)
J
100

The properties comply with Annex C of Eurocode 2.

Total elongation at maximum force, Agt
The total elongation at maximum force, Agt, shall be determined in accordance with
ISO 15630-1.
Measurements shall be made and recorded and shall be made available for inspection, but
if the total elongation is below the minimum value specified in Table 4, this shall not be a
cause of non-conformity with this standard.

2.11 Bend test

When test samples, selected and prepared in accordance with
Annex E of BS 6744: 2001 + A2:2009, undergo the bend test described
in Annex E of BS 6744: 2001 + A2:2009, the test samples shall show no
sign of fracture or irregular bending deformation.

2.12 Fatigue test

Ribbed bar shall be subjected to type testing as described in Annex F of
BS 6744: 2001 + A2:2009 to determine the characteristics of a particular
geometric shape and grade. The fatigue characteristics shall be verified
every five years or after 1,000 tonnes produced for each size and grade
manufactured, whichever is sooner.
The batch shall be deemed to conform to this Technical Approval if all five
test samples endure 5 x 106 cycles of stress.

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2.13 Charpy impact test

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Three impact tests shall be performed for each batch. Impact testing shall be carried out in accordance
with BS EN ISO 148 on test pieces with a V-notch. The average obtained from three test pieces shall be
considered to be the test result (see also BS EN 10021). The values obtained shall conform to Table 4.

2.14 Intergranular corrosion testing

An intergranular corrosion test shall be carried out on one sample per batch in accordance with
BS EN ISO 3651-2.

2.15 Retests
If any test sample fails to meet the stress ratio, proof strength, elongation to fracture, bend test or
impact energy requirements, two additional test samples shall be taken from different bars of the same
batch and subjected to the test or tests in which the original sample failed. If both additional test
samples pass the test or tests, the batch from which they were taken shall be deemed to conform to this
standard. If either of them fails, the batch shall be deemed not to conform to this Technical Approval.

2.16 Product identification

2.16.1 Product marking
Ribbed bars shall be identified by rolled-on legible marks on the surface at intervals not
greater than 1.5 m to indicate the origin of manufacture.
Standard

Bar Mark

BS6744

Number

7-3

Bar marking ROLDAN SA Lean duplex Stainless Steel ACX 903

2.16.2 Product labelling

Each bundle of bar, or each coil shall have a label attached containing the following information:
7

reference to this Technical Approval and CARES;

specification;
grade;
size;
cast number;
batch reference;
name of the manufacturer.

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3 Product Performance and Characteristics

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Full destructive tests have been carried out to demonstrate compliance

with performance requirements as defined in CARES Appendix TA13:
CARES APPENDIX TA13
Product dimensions including cross
sectional area and rib geometry
Tensile properties
Total elongation at maximum force

Bend test
Fatigue test
Charpy impact test
Pitting resistance

Pitting resistance
Alloy ACX 903 shows good corrosion resistance in alkaline concrete
solutions and, in presence of carbonated solutions and/or with chloride ion
concentration. In experiments, it was found that the corrosion resistance of
alloy ACX 903 is midway between that of 1.4301 and 1.4436 stainless
steels, when examined in solutions simulating the concrete pore liquid.
Guidance on the use of stainless steel reinforcement for different service conditions
(see also annex B of BS6744:2001 +A2:2009)

Eurocode 2, 4.3 gives guidance on requirements for durability.

Grade in
accordance with
BS EN 10088-1

Roldan ACX 903

Service condition

For structures or
components with
either a long design
life, or which are
inaccessible for
future maintenance

For structures or
components exposed to
chloride contamination
with no relaxation in
durability design (e.g.
concrete cover, quality or
water proofing treatment
requirements)

Reinforcement
bridging joints,
or penetrating the
concrete surface and
also subject to chloride
contamination (e.g.
dowel bars or holding
down bolts)

Key 1 Appropriate choice for corrosion resistance and cost.

3 May be suitable in some instances: specialist advice should be obtained.

Structures subject to
chloride contamination
where reductions in normal
durability requirements are
proposed (e.g. reduced
cover, concrete quality or
omission of water proofing
treatment)
3

5 Unsuitable for this application.

The corrosion resistance of stainless steels is very dependent on the type of environment
and can therefore not always be clearly ascertained through laboratory tests. It is therefore
advisable to draw on the available experience of the use of the steels. For specific
applications, consult with a corrosion expert.

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4 Installation

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Lapping with carbon steel is normally acceptable except in certain conditions depending upon the
design and volume per cent of stainless steel and carbon steel. For more specific advice please refer
to a corrosion expert.

5 Safety Considerations
The reinforcing bars are supplied in bundles or coils and have a maximum weight of 2500 kg and
must be handled with appropriate lifting equipment. It is advisable to wear protective gloves during
handling of the containers and reinforcement; during the cutting, bending and fixing processes.
For additional alloy safety precautions, consult Roldan SA Material Safety Data Sheet.

6 Product Testing and Evaluation

Roldan SA ACX 903 lean duplex stainless steel reinforcing bars have been tested to satisfy the
requirements of CARES Appendix TA13. The testing comprised the following elements:
Product dimensions
Tensile properties
Elongation at fracture
Total elongation at maximum force
Bend test
Fatigue test
Pitting resistance
Testing has been undertaken at Exova Group Limited, R-TECH Services and CAPCIS; the report
numbers are listed in Section 9, References.

7 Quality Assurance
The products are subject to a programme of periodic testing to ensure that they remain within the
performance limits of this technical approval.
Roldan SA ACX 903 lean duplex stainless steel reinforcing bars are produced under an ISO 9001
quality management system certified by CARES. The quality management system scheme monitors
the production of the reinforcing bar and ensures that materials remain within the limits of this
technical approval.

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8 Building Regulations
Eurocodes

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BS 8110 was withdrawn in April 2010 after its coexistence period with
Eurocode 2 ended. Although not yet formally endorsed by the Secretary
of State it is anticipated that under building regulations Eurocode 2 will be
accepted in lieu of BS 8110.

8.1 The Building Regulations (England and Wales)

Structure, Approved Document A
Roldan SA ACX 903 lean duplex stainless steel, when used in BS 8110
based designs using the data contained within this technical approval,
satisfies the relevant requirements of The Building Regulations (England
and Wales), Approved Document A.
Materials and Workmanship, Approved Document,
to support regulation 7
This technical approval gives assurance that the Roldan SA ACX 903 lean
duplex stainless steel complies with the material requirements of BS8110.

8.2 The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)

Part B, Materials and Workmanship
This technical approval gives assurance that Roldan SA ACX 903 lean
duplex stainless steel complies with the material requirements of BS8110
by virtue of regulation B3, Deemed to satisfy provisions regarding the
fitness of materials and workmanship.

8.3 The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations

Part B, Fitness of Materials
This technical approval gives assurance that Roldan SA ACX 903 lean
duplex stainless steel complies with the material requirements of BS8110
by virtue of Clause B2.1.
Part C, Structure
Roldan SA ACX 903 lean duplex stainless steel when used in BS8110
based designs using the data contained within this technical approval,
satisfies the requirements of The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations
1990, Part C, C2.1 clause b. construction,ii.

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9 References
BS 6744: 2001 + A2 2009 Stainless steel bars for the reinforcement of and use in concrete
Requirements and test methods.

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BS EN ISO 15630-1 Steel for the reinforcement and prestressing of concrete - Test methods Part1: Reinforcing bars, wire rod and wire.

11

BS EN ISO 148-1: 2010 - Metallic materials: Charpy pendulum impact test. Test method.
BS8110: Part 1: 1997 (Revised 2005): Structural Use of Concrete, Code of Practice for Design
and Construction.
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Eurocode 2 Design of concrete structures - General rules for buildings.
BS EN ISO 9001: 2008 Quality management systems - Requirements.
CARES Appendix TA13: Quality and Operations Schedule for the Technical Approval of Ribbed
duplex stainless steel reinforcing bar.
R-TECH Services Limited Test Certificates: 09449A, 09465 Issue 2 and 11287.
Exova Group Limited Test Certificates: D9866, D9867, D11888 and D12698.
CAPCIS Test Certificate: GE8323 Rev 0 February 2008.
UK Highways Agency Design Manual for roads and bridges Volume 1 Highway Structures:
Approval Procedures and General Design Section 3 General Design Part 15 BA 84/02 Use of
Stainless Steel Reinforcement in Highway Structures.
Concrete Society Technical Report 51 Guidance on the use of stainless steel reinforcement.
This Technical Approval will prevail in the event of any inconsistency with a referenced document.

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10 Conditions

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1. The quality of the materials and method of manufacture have

been examined by CARES and found to be satisfactory.
This technical approval will remain valid providing that:

a. The product design and specification is unchanged.

b. The materials and method of manufacture are unchanged.
c. The manufacturer complies with CARES regulations for
technical approvals.
d. The manufacturer holds a valid CARES Certificate of
Product Assessment.
e. The product is installed and used as described in this report.

2. CARES make no representation as to the presence or absence

of patent rights subsisting in the product and/or the legal right
of Roldan SA to market the product.
3. Any references to standards, codes or legislation are those which
are in force at the date of this certificate.
4. Any recommendations relating to the safe use of this product
are the minimum standards required when the product is used.
These requirements do not purport to satisfy the requirements of
the Health and Safety at Work act 1974 or any other relevant
safety legislation.
5. CARES does not accept any responsibility for any loss or injury
arising as a direct or indirect result of the use of this product.
6. This Technical Approval Report should be read in conjunction
with CARES Certificate of Product Assessment No 5037.
Confirmation that this technical approval is current can be
obtained from UK CARES.

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